It is a matter of serious concern that the State Government is not taking action against corrupt officials found guilty in various courts. They are enjoying all the facilities and benefits even after their conviction in violation of OCS rules.
This has been alleged by senior BJP leader and Rourkela MlA Dilip Ray. Even, the Vigilance department has expressed its dissatisfaction over the inertia of various Government departments as they put forward specious grounds in defence of their inaction.
Although there are clear-cut orders by the courts to punish the guilty after their conviction irrespective of the status of appeal in the higher courts, the Government is citing appeal as a constraint for taking action against the convicted officials, Ray pointed out.
The fact that the State Vigilance is dissatisfied with the Government’s dilatory practice and indifference in punishing the culprits shows the lack of seriousness of the Government in containing and controlling corruption. It is time the Government stopped showing leniency towards the convicted corrupt officials and took strong action against them. Any attempt to shield corrupt officials behind non-existing legal barriers would send a wrong signal to the public about the Government’s seriousness in fighting corruption, added Ray.